Crossin intercepted two passes Friday night and helped the Vikings to a 20-6 Duneland Athletic Conference victory over Merrillville.

Valparaiso (5-2, 5-0) can wrap up at least a tie for the DAC with a win next week over Portage.

Crossin spent a good portion of this week studying Merrillville quarterback Aahric Whitehead on film.

He figured out that Jeremiah Howard and Jaylen Glass were Whitehead’s favorite receivers.

Crossin said he has learned to disguise his intentions. He also had two interceptions this season against Chesterton. He ran one back for a touchdown.

“It’s a baiting game for me,” Crossin said. “I know (Whitehead) likes to throw the ball to 19 (Howard ) and 15 (Glass). I’ll go over and cover the other guy that he won’t throw to. I just try to mess with the quarterback’s head.”

Crossin could have had a third interception against Merrillville (4-3, 3-2), but he dropped one at the goal line.

Overall, it was complete effort on defense for the Vikings, who forced four turnovers and finished with five sacks.

Jack Cahill had an interception and the Vikings recovered a fumble at the 14 with 22 seconds left in the first half. That led to Valparaiso’s second TD.

Valparaiso coach Bill Marshall said the offense has work to do.

“I have to give 80 percent of the credit to our defense,” he said. “Offensively, it doesn’t look like it, but we have some stuff to clean up.

“Our defense held a potent offense to six points. It was a team win, but our defense shined brighter than our offense.”

Marshall loves what Crossin brings to the table. He played quarterback last season for a stretch after starter Jake Leffew was injured.

The Vikings also have used Crossin as a running back.

The need to use him on offense has diminished with the emergence of senior running backs Jackson Kurth and Jesse Harper.

Kurth rushed for 115 yards. He scored all three TDs. That included a 65-yard run on the first play for the Vikings. Harper ran for 102 yards.

“He’s a high-motor kid,” Marshall said of Crossin. “I’d like to think he’s like me. All the credit goes to his family. He’s a great leader. Keeping his legs fresh and keeping him on defense has really helped him.”

Crossin said he misses offense, but he’s happy because the Vikings are winning.